'''Colorado Springs''' [http://www.experiencecoloradosprings.com] is the second largest city in [[Colorado]], behind [[Denver]] to the north, and defines the northeastern tip of the [[South Central Colorado | south central]] region of the state. Attractive mountain scenery is nearby.

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'''Colorado Springs''' [http://weknowcolorado.com] is the second largest city in [[Colorado]], behind [[Denver]] to the north, and defines the northeastern tip of the [[South Central Colorado | south central]] region of the state. Attractive mountain scenery is nearby.

*<sleep name="Rodeway Inn and Suites" alt="" address="1623 S. Nevada Ave" directions="Exit 140 and three blocks south of I-25 on Nevada" phone="(719) 623-2300" url="http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-colorado_springs-colorado-CO725" checkin="1400" checkout="1100" price="economy" lat="" long="">Convenient location, walk to restaurants, near attractions and down town. 2 miles to World Arena. Great Mexican restaurant next door and an excellent German restaurant across the street. Large outdoor heated pool, pet friendly, in room coffee, daily continental breakfast. </sleep>

*<sleep name="Rodeway Inn and Suites" alt="" address="1623 S. Nevada Ave" directions="Exit 140 and three blocks south of I-25 on Nevada" phone="(719) 623-2300" url="http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-colorado_springs-colorado-CO725" checkin="1400" checkout="1100" price="economy" lat="" long="">Convenient location, walk to restaurants, near attractions and down town. 2 miles to World Arena. Great Mexican restaurant next door and an excellent German restaurant across the street. Large outdoor heated pool, pet friendly, in room coffee, daily continental breakfast. </sleep>

The town is about as safe as [[Denver]], though be aware that Colorado has one of the highest death rates via automobile accidents in the US. So just remember to drive defensively and you'll be fine. Colorado Springs is infamous for speed traps also. Watch out for motorcycle cops (around 5 or 6) along with one or more cruisers waiting to catch you speeding.

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The town is about safe, but be aware that Colorado has one of the highest death rates via automobile accidents in the US. So just remember to drive defensively and you'll be fine. Colorado Springs is infamous for speed traps also. Watch out for motorcycle cops (around 5 or 6) along with one or more cruisers waiting to catch you speeding.

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The southern part of town is generally less safe than the northern part. Ft. Carson, on the southern edge of town, is a large Army installation bringing in thousands of young, energetic men and women. The businesses that these clients would frequent sometimes attract a rougher crowd. Stay north of Platte or west of Wahsatch, and all should be well.

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The southern part of town is generally less safe than the northern part. Fort Carson, on the southern edge of town, is a large army installation bringing in thousands of young, energetic men and women. The businesses that these clients would frequent sometimes attract a rougher crowd. Stay north of Platte or west of Wahsatch, and all should be well.

==Contact==

==Contact==

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* '''Ski''', the closest resorts are [[Breckenridge]] and [[Salida|Monarch]], each about a two hour drive.

* '''Ski''', the closest resorts are [[Breckenridge]] and [[Salida|Monarch]], each about a two hour drive.

Revision as of 21:24, 6 November 2012

Colorado Springs[1] is the second largest city in Colorado, behind Denver to the north, and defines the northeastern tip of the south central region of the state. Attractive mountain scenery is nearby.

Get in

By plane

Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS)[3] - This is a full-service airport, but small enough to be able to get in and out quickly. Recent renovations, including free wireless internet, make it a very nice place to wait for an hour or two if you arrive early for your flight. Airport is located 11 miles east of downtown Colorado Springs.

Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB)[4] - Small full-service airport located 40 miles south of downtown offering regional commercial air service.

Denver International Airport (DEN)[5] - Located 80 miles north of Colorado Springs. Front Range Shuttle [6] is currently the only shared shuttle service between Colorado Springs and DIA; it is also possible via a multi-stage bus ride.

Drive

Interstate 25 is the only Interstate, running north-south through the city. Colorado Highway 83 provides a secondary route between East Denver and The Springs. US Highway 24 connects the city with mountain communities to the West and Limon Colorado on the Eastern Plains.

By bus

Get around

Colorado Springs lies along the foothills east of the Rocky Mountains. It runs north-south along I-25, with the Air Force Academy to the North, downtown to the south, and Pikes Peak rising in the west.

See

Garden of the Gods, 1805 N 30th St. (I25 Exit west 2.5mi, then south on 30th St), ☎+1 719 634-6666, [10]. 5AM-11PM. A series of dramatic sandstone formations, enclosed by a city park. Excellent for hiking and technical rock climbing.free. (38.877804,-104.870768)

A formation in the Garden of the Gods

Pikes Peak, (West about 10 miles on Cimarron St./Rt 24), ☎+1 800 318-9505, [11]. May-Sept 7AM-7PM. The most famous peak in Colorado, inspiring the song America, the Beautiful, dominates over the city to the west. Drive to the top, or ascend by Cog Rail[12]. Feeling fit? Hike up Barr Trail to the summit, especially beautiful in the summer with all the wild flowers. Feeling really fit? Run up during the Pikes Peak Ascent or run up AND down in the Pikes Peak Marathon. $10 per person/$35 per car. (38.907866,-104.981575)

A view of Pike's Peak from the Garden of the Gods

Cave of the Winds, (West about 6 miles on Cimarron St./Rt 24), ☎+1 719 685-5444, [13]. 9AM-9PM. A series of caves near Manitou Springs, offering tours.~$20. (38.87321,-104.92218)

United States Air Force Academy, (I-25 Exit 156B), ☎+1 719 333-2025, [20]. 8AM-6PM. Academy nestled in the foothills of the Rampart range at the north end of town, you can tour the famous Chapel and other sights.free. (39.008113,-104.890509)

Air Force Falcons, (Air Force Academy), ☎+1 719 472-1895 (toll free: +1 800 666-USAF (8723)), [21]. The Academy's athletic program offers college sports action throughout the school year. The best-known program is the football team, long a solidly competitive program. Football games especially offer a unique combination of military pageantry and traditional college sports atmosphere. Ticket prices vary by sport.

May Natural History Museum, (I-25 Exit 140, South 8 miles on Rt 115, right at huge beetle), ☎+1 719 576-0450, [22]. May-Sept 9AM-5PM. An eclectic but unique museum south of town, with thousands of large insects collected by John May from around the tropics.$6. (38.705146,-104.840598)

ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, 101 ProRodeo Drive, ☎+1 719 528-4764, [24]. The only heritage center in the world devoted to professional rodeo, with two multi-media presentations and Hall of Champions.$6 adults, $3 children.

Garden of the Gods Trading Post, (South end of Garden of the Gods park), ☎+1 719 685-9045 (toll free: +1 800 874-4515), [25]. Don't miss the largest art gallery and gift shop in Colorado. Sample delicious buffalo burgers and more at the Balanced Rock Cafe, on the outdoor patio, under the shade of the cottonwood trees.

Ghost Town Museum, 400 S. 21st Street, ☎+1 719 634-0696, [26]. Step back in time to Colorado's gold-rush days and experience an 1800's old west town frozen in time. Pan for real gold! $6.50 adults, $4 children, under 6-free.

Challenge Unlimited-Pikes Peak by Bike, +1 800 798-5954, [29]. Bike down over 7,000 feet from the top of Pikes Peak with professional guides, mid-April-October. Bike helmet, all-weather gear and meals are included.

Rock Climbing, at Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon (non-marking chalk only, register first at the Garden of the Gods visitor center), and in North Cheyenne Cañon City Park.

The Colorado Climbing Company, (719) 209-6649, [30]. Climb with certified, professional guides in the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Cañon, Red Rock Canyon, and more.

Whitewater Rafting in Colorado Springs

Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas river, about an hour south of town.

Jake and Telly's, 2616 Colorado Avenue in Old Colorado City, ☎+1 719 633-0406. Great Greek food; under $15 for lunch, over $20 for dinner. Sit outside on their second floor patio and enjoy the gorgeous Colorado Springs weather.

Ritz Grill, 15 S Tejon St., ☎(719) 635-8484‎. A great bar brings in many singles and couples alike. Popular with locals and always a good variety of reasonably-priced food.

Trinity Brewing Co, 1466 W Garden off Gods Road (Mile or so west of I 25 on Garden off Gods Road), ☎719 634-0029. Great micro brewery! Has 4-6 of their own beers on tap as well as an ever changing selection of 28 Plus other micro beers. Great food. Great crowd. Easy to find, close to Garden of the Park, Manitou Springs, Old Colorado city and the Air force Accademy FREE WIFI

Rodeway Inn and Suites, 1623 S. Nevada Ave (Exit 140 and three blocks south of I-25 on Nevada), ☎(719) 623-2300, [65]. checkin: 1400; checkout: 1100. Convenient location, walk to restaurants, near attractions and down town. 2 miles to World Arena. Great Mexican restaurant next door and an excellent German restaurant across the street. Large outdoor heated pool, pet friendly, in room coffee, daily continental breakfast. economy.

Stay safe

The town is about safe, but be aware that Colorado has one of the highest death rates via automobile accidents in the US. So just remember to drive defensively and you'll be fine. Colorado Springs is infamous for speed traps also. Watch out for motorcycle cops (around 5 or 6) along with one or more cruisers waiting to catch you speeding.

The southern part of town is generally less safe than the northern part. Fort Carson, on the southern edge of town, is a large army installation bringing in thousands of young, energetic men and women. The businesses that these clients would frequent sometimes attract a rougher crowd. Stay north of Platte or west of Wahsatch, and all should be well.

Contact

Wireless Internet

Colorado City Creamery

Colorado City Creamery, Rockrimmon & Delmonico. Network is secured, information available inside for how to connect.

The Summit House, (in the shopping plaza at the corner of Voyager Parkway and Middle Creek in the northernmost part of town, From the north exit I-25 at #156A, take Northgate Road east to Voyager Parkway, turn south; from the south exit I-25 at Interquest Parkway, turn north onto Voyager Parkway), +1 719 488-8893. M-F 6AM-9PM, Sa 7AM-6PM, Su 7AM-5PM. Free WiFi.

unwiredaccess.net[69]. Has many customers downtown. They charge a $6 one-time ("lifetime") fee for an account. Then you can use their wireless hotspots with no further charges (until they go out of business). (Their pricing is different depending on location - the PikesPerk Coffee House on North Academy still uses unwiredaccess.net but does not require a fee. It's assumed the coffee house is paying for the access).

The towns of Monument and Palmer Lake, about 10 miles north of Colorado Springs, also have free wireless access.

Get out

Manitou Springs Small historic town and shopping area west of the city, base of the Cog Rail

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!